In this episode of Hello Austin County, we’re joined by Kim Rinn, Austin County’s Tax Assessor-Collector, who also serves as the county’s official voter registrar and election administrator. Kim walks us through everything you need to know about registering, voting, and ensuring your voice is counted in Texas elections.
Kim shares essential voter registration deadlines, explains limited and provisional voting, and demystifies the process behind early voting, mail-in ballots, and how the ExpressVote system works. She also addresses common misconceptions—like whether your ballot is connected to the internet (it’s not!)—and explains how barcode scanning and paper trails keep the process secure and verifiable.
We talk about what forms of ID are accepted, why cell phones aren’t allowed in the voting booth, and how countywide voting in Austin County has increased participation by letting voters cast ballots at any polling location, not just their home precinct.
🎨 Kim also highlights a fun, local initiative—custom “I Voted” stickers designed by middle and high school students in Austin County! It’s a great way to build civic pride and get the next generation excited about voting.
✅ Whether you’re a first-time voter, a longtime resident, or someone helping a family member navigate the process, this episode is full of helpful tips to make your voting experience smoother, more confident, and fully informed.
🗂️ For sample ballots, polling locations, and real-time updates, visit the official Austin County Elections website.
🗳️ Make your voice count. Vote informed. Vote local.
Until next time—stay civic, Austin County! 🇺🇸📮👥
⏰ 0:19 – Meet Kim Rinn, Austin County’s election official
⏰ 0:39 – Voter registration total and how it updates
⏰ 2:00 – 30-day residency rule and registration options
⏰ 4:56 – Voter eligibility requirements and ID types
⏰ 10:05 – Praise for experienced election workers
⏰ 10:43 – Step-by-step voting process: ID, poll pad, ExpressVote
⏰ 12:30 – Tabulators count ballots; not connected to internet
⏰ 14:12 – Safeguards against double-voting and invalid ballots
⏰ 16:49 – Secure Wi-Fi for poll pads; not public access
⏰ 17:18 – Mail-in ballot process and strong return rates
⏰ 20:44 – Ballots use barcodes; accuracy improved with ExpressVote
⏰ 24:37 – No phones, photos, or notes allowed while voting
⏰ 26:21 – Post-election audits confirm vote accuracy
⏰ 29:33 – Countywide voting improves access and turnout
⏰ 32:40 – Early voting hours for Bellville and Sealy
⏰ 34:30 – Election info and sample ballots on county website
⏰ 35:10 – Student-designed “I Voted” stickers launched
⏰ 39:45 – Straight-ticket voting no longer allowed
⏰ 41:30 – Final push: get out and vote — every vote matters